CHAPTER 3

Lilliane could feel the rapid pounding of her heart as she stepped out of the elevator and into the marble-floored lobby of her condo building. The echo of her high heels seemed to intensify her anxiety, in sync with every beat of her chest.

Even at that moment, Lilliane still felt the sting and pain from the slaps and hair-pulling she had received from Mathilda.

She forced herself to dress up, despite not wanting to attend. She even wore the dress her aunt had left on the coffee table.

Her eyes were swollen as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. She wanted to cry again, but she felt like she had no more tears left. She couldn’t feel anything else but deep pity for herself.

Lilliane took a deep breath, exhaustion evident in her eyes.

“Miss Lilliane Olivares?”

Lilliane gave a small nod to the elderly man who stood up upon seeing her.

“That’s me.”

“I’m Pedring, and I’m here to drive you to Mr. Fuentes’ mansion. Mr. and Mrs. Amante are also waiting for you at the mansion.”

She followed the elderly man, who politely opened the door to a luxury car waiting for her. Lilliane got into the backseat.

The car, though luxurious, felt like a cage to Lilliane, a reminder of the life Mathilda and Richard were forcing upon her.

She glanced at her reflection in the window beside her.

Though the soft blush pink dress she was wearing exuded a classic and elegant look that suited her, she couldn't find any joy in it. What woman would be happy knowing she was about to marry a man old enough to be her grandfather?

Lilliane sighed deeply, her mind remaining tangled and full of anxiety as she watched the cityscape blur past the car window.

They stopped in front of a tall, grand black gate. At the top was a golden “AF” initial.

The gate opened, and the car drove into the impressive driveway of the mansion. Lilliane couldn’t deny the tightness in her stomach, fear rising inside her.

Lilliane couldn’t bring herself to admire the grandeur of the Fuentes mansion. Its magnificence was a symbol of the very luxury she despised at that moment.

As the car stopped, her anxiety grew even more.

Standing outside the tall, open double doors were her uncle and aunt, their expressions a mix of anticipation and authority. Mathilda’s eyes were icy, while Richard's face reflected sternness.

Lilliane felt as though she was dragging two iron balls on her feet. Every step toward Mr. Fuentes’ mansion reminded her of the burden she carried.

Mathilda grabbed her arm as soon as she got close.

“Lilliane,” her aunt hissed, “you look beautiful. Remember, this is important for our family and the company. So can you fix that face of yours?” she whispered sharply before letting go of her harshly.

Lilliane took a deep breath and forced a smile.

“Good thing you arrived, Lilliane, and didn’t let us down. I hope that by now you are prepared for what is about to happen.”

Lilliane swallowed hard and met her uncle’s gaze.

“I’m ready, Uncle,” she whispered, trying to keep her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.

“That’s good then,” Mathilda’s voice had no room for argument, though she smirked after saying it. “And what’s even better, let’s finish this.”

Richard stood next to his niece, and Lilliane couldn’t deny that his presence added to the heaviness of the situation.

“Lilliane, remember, what happens today is important for our family and the company. You need to fulfill the responsibility that has been entrusted to you. Don’t embarrass us in front of Mr. Fuentes.”

Lilliane nodded.

“Yes, Uncle. I understand,” she whispered.

She subtly glanced around the beautiful mansion’s interior as they stood outside the door.

The high ceiling, the gleaming chandeliers above, the marble floors all seemed to mock her, deepening her anxiety.

“Welcome, Miss Olivares,” said the mayordoma (1) politely, bowing slightly as she appeared from nowhere. “Mr. Fuentes is already waiting for you.”

She led them to the dining area.

Lilliane followed, each step feeling like one closer to hell.

At the head of the table sat Mr. Fuentes, the old man she was destined to marry.

Lilliane couldn’t help but feel a surge of fear, dread, and deep anxiety upon seeing the elderly man. Her chest heaved with every breath she tried to suppress and control.

Mr. Fuentes’ sharp gaze focused on Lilliane, and as they approached him, she could feel the intensity of his stare, sending shivers down her spine—completely different from the thrill she had felt with the stranger to whom she had given her virginity.

She gasped silently as memories of the man she met at the club and the passionate moments they shared at the hotel flooded her mind, along with how many times he had claimed her.

“Mr. Fuentes,” Lilliane’s attention was drawn back when she heard her aunt’s voice. Although it tried to sound cheerful, it felt forced. “Here is my beautiful niece, Lilliane.”

Lilliane almost winced when her aunt dug her hands into her shoulders after gripping them tightly.

When her eyes met the old man’s, she was immediately filled with revulsion as he smirked at her. She could clearly see the lust in his eyes, as well as the vast difference in their ages.

She quickly looked away, her hands starting to shake and sweat.

Slowly, Mr. Fuentes stood up, his eyes still locked on Lilliane.

“Miss Olivares,” he said.

Lilliane didn’t expect the gentleness in his voice, though it carried authority and desire.

Her eyes fell to the hand he extended toward her.

She didn’t know whether to take it or not, but eventually, her trembling hand rose.

“I’m pleased to see you again.”

He was about to kiss the back of her hand when she yanked it away with a sharp gasp. Her heart in fear.

She couldn’t look at him afterward and wouldn’t have spoken had Mathilda not elbowed her.

Lilliane gave a small, polite nod, casting a quick, nervous glance at him.

“M-Mr. Fuentes,” she stammered, trying to keep her voice steady despite the chaos within her.

Lilliane felt the sharp gazes of Richard and Mathilda on her as she kept her eyes downcast.

“I-I’m pleased to see you... a-again.” She swallowed hard.

The old man’s lips curved slightly in a smile, much to Mathilda’s subtle relief. Mathilda wanted to roll her eyes but restrained herself.

“Please, have a seat,” Mr. Fuentes gestured to the seat beside him for Lilliane.

She complied; her hands clenched tightly in her lap to hide the shaking. Richard and Mathilda sat on either side of Mr. Fuentes to his left, their eyes never leaving their niece.

“Shall we start?” the old man raised an eyebrow, his eyes still fixed on Lilliane, who remained bowed. “I understand the seriousness of the situation and I appreciate your willingness to cooperate.”

Lilliane swallowed hard.

“I understand,” she murmured, her words barely audible.

Lilliane’s pulse quickened as she tried to steady her breathing. It felt as though the lavish surroundings were closing in on her, mocking her with their opulence.

Her eyes began to burn as she fought to hold back the tears threatening to spill at any moment.

“Why won’t you look at me, honey?”

Lilliane shuddered at his use of the endearment. She wanted to cringe; she wanted to vomit.

“Don’t you want me to admire how beautiful my future wife is?” he asked with a raised eyebrow, almost mocking.

Lilliane’s grip tightened further in her lap. She glanced at the two people seated across from her after being kicked by one of them under the table. Mathilda’s eyes were blazing as their gazes met.

“Don’t embarrass us!” Mathilda hissed sharply.

Lilliane gasped, wanting to cry but holding back, before slowly looking at the old man who hadn’t taken his eyes off her.

“Do you know how beautiful you look in what you’re wearing, and I’m the one who chose it,” he said, pride and malicious intent in his voice as his gaze dropped to Lilliane’s cleavage.

Instinctively, she crossed her arm over her chest, scandalized. He was like a rabid dog, just short of drooling.

When she looked at him again, she saw the perverted way he licked his lower lip. She was a delicious meal in his eyes as he ogled her body.

Lilliane knew she couldn’t go through with what Mr. Fuentes and Mathilda wanted, so she made up her mind after their meeting with the old man.

She hastily grabbed her travel bag—stuffing a few clothes and essential documents into it, those she’d need to get away. Every move she made was quick and filled with fear, but she was desperate; needed to escape.

When she glanced at the picture of her parents, she quickly snatched it up and stared at it. She began to sob.

“Mommy, Daddy...” she whimpered, “I’m sorry. I can’t... I can’t do what Aunt Mathilda wants. I can’t marry that old man! I hope you’ll forgive me and understand if I can’t save the company, you worked so hard for.”

She hugged the picture frame tightly, and the entire room echoed with her sobs. It seemed like all she had done in the past few days was cry.

Lilliane gazed out the bus window she was riding. Dawn was about to break, and she knew in her heart that she had made the right decision. She couldn’t help but feel a surge of hope and excitement for the first time since her parents had left her.

She was free, even if just for now.

FOOTNOTE

(1) Mayordoma: is a Spanish term traditionally used in the Philippines to refer to a female head servant or housekeeper responsible for managing the household staff and overseeing daily chores, often in a large home or estate.